Community is a word that meant nothing to me before I met nomads. Now it is a word that means everything! From a person who ventured into this nomad life to be alone and away from people, somehow, I learned that people are the most wonderful of things; it's just a matter of finding the right people. Magically I did and now I find myself happier than I've ever been in my life. I’m deeply grateful for the community that has been there for me. For the people who race to be the first to help and who call to the masses when action is needed. It's beauty I can't possibly put into words... but I think I'm here to discuss actions, at least the actions I now plan to take in hopes of bringing the community even closer together. Something I've noticed over the last few weeks that I find interesting: though we are parked as a group when it comes to meals, we all cook in our small spaces either alone or with a few squeezed in making it work with what we've got. We end up spending hours prepping, cooking, and eating apart. However, meals are the most magical of times spent together. Everyone fills their bellies and hearts as they share and connect with one another. We've had several family dinners this week and I find myself full of joy each night watching us come together. Some magical moments that were part of the inspiration for this: 1. Sitting around the campfire, 15 people eating homemade Ramen, playing a sharing game where not only did every single person speak honestly and openly with vulnerability, but when it came to one of the questions, "what are you most thankful for from the past week" every single person answered the same... " this community."… 2. When someone naturally shy and new to this unique community of people made a deliberate effort to partake in group dinners and came and said to me, "I only know how to cook one thing, but I want to cook family dinner tonight". That was a special moment for me... 3. After 3 nights in a row of cooking group meals myself, I took the night off. To my pleasant surprise, a friend came to me wanting to cook dinner and wanting to cook it in my home for everyone. I think this is the moment I realized what I want to make happen... A Community Kitchen A towed trailer that will house a fully stocked kitchen to be parked at camp and accessible for all nomads to use. A mobile kitchen parked in the middle of the camp, designed to bring people together through cooking and eating outdoors. As the trailer is moved from seasonal locations, we'll drop a pin, and all who wish to join will be welcome. It will usually be parked for several weeks so people can come and go. There are a lot of details to be worked out, but I've learned that MY joy is sparked by feeding people. While I know that I eventually want to figure out a way to earn a living feeding people on the road, this community kitchen is not for that; this is an attempt to bring our community together with food, and hopefully in a sustainable way that people want to take part in. Aside from the funding needed to create the Community Kitchen, there will be no future costs required. If propane runs out, those there who want to help contribute as a group are welcome to do so. If you're going to use the kitchen for cooking and want to sell the food you make, that is welcome as well. This is a kitchen for all to use and while the kitchen itself will not make a profit, you may use it to do so. There will likely be a whiteboard sign-up sheet for personal use and possibly dedicated family dinner cooking hours. However, I believe 4-6 burners will cover multiple individual meals when needed. I'm sure people's minds quickly go to personal costs. To that I say, Community makes things happen when it’s something we truly want. So this is my check in on how the community feels about a Community Kitchen. I truly believe we can do it if we do it together. I've noted for myself that instead of buying to feed yourself for a week, if you buy with the intention of making 2-3 group meals while others in the camp do the same, or if the group splits meal costs, we can spend the same amount of money, possibly even less. This will also mean less waste, less nights you are responsible for the cooking, and more nights you are being served by a community that cares. Anyway, I'm feeling passionate, motivated, and extremely excited to bring this to the people. I’m hoping some of you feel the same... even a dollar will put us that much closer, and every donation means another community member wants this... I love you all! This is the current list for what will be in the kitchen, all are Camp Chef products: Professional Outdoor Oven Smoke Vault 18 Expedition 16 Versatop 2X Artisan Outdoor Oven BBQ Grill Box 2 Burner 16” Griddle Cast Iron 16” Dutch Oven Cast Iron Fry Pot Cast Iron Pizza Pan Cast Iron 14” Skillet Cast Iron 12” Skillet Cast Iron 10” Skillet Cast Iron 7” Skillets Cast Iron Teapot Cast Iron Square Cooking Iron Cast Iron Round Cooking Iron Cast Iron Press Cast Iron Pie Pan Cast Iron Bread Pan 32 Qt Hot Water Pot 32 Qt Cooker Pot Roasting Sticks Long Handled Skimmer